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Finding the Magic when you¡¦ve Been Downsized

Written by: Linda Cassell

Article Overview: Losing a job is painful. For senior executives whose lives have been so intertwined with that of their company or business, it is especially painful. There is no way around it. And that's the point. If you try to "get around it," it will likely take you on a detour that will delay what you want: a great new position. Dr. Susan Lord has valuable advice to help get you in "inspired action" mode. That is when the magic begins and that is when you most likely will attract your next career opportunity.

Finding the Magic when you¡¦ve Been Downsized



These days, I work with a growing number of executives who have either been downsized or fear that they will be. It's a scary place: "I've been a highly paid senior executive for most of my career. How can I find a new job at the same salary level?

What if I can't find a job before the severance pay runs out?

I have no severance package and I have little savings. How will I take care of my family?

How can I find a good job in this economy?"

Having been there more than once, I know the fear all too well. It is agonizing. But, I also know that whether you are a senior executive or junior manager, you can create your next great career opportunity. Even in this economy!

How?

Dr. Susan Lord, a gifted physician and spiritual healer, specializing in complementary and alternative medicine, spoke to my Results 2009! teleclass nearly a year ago. Her advice is just as applicable today as it was then.

What advice could a physician give to senior executives and professionals looking to create their next great career opportunity?

Plenty!

In fact, too much to convey in this article so I'll focus on one aspect of Dr. Lord's guidance:

The importance of "being present; being in the moment."

Those words have become so overused that they border on being cliché. Besides, what do they really mean, how we do we get there, and how can this "state" be helpful to an executive who is out of work or thinks he/she will be?

Here's abrief summary of Dr. Lord's explanation:

If you are out of work or anticipate being downsized there is an emotional/spiritual process that you will work through. If you embrace it as part of your journey, a path that will lead to your next career opportunity or ideal work situation, you are likely to heal more quickly. Consequently, you can use your energy to create what you want (instead of focusing on what you don't).

Most people:

„X Experience depression, grief, sadness, anger, loss of initiative, and even shame, at the beginning of the journey. Most people fight these feelings and berate themselves for not leaping out of bed everyday and joyfully beginning the job search. However, remember that "what you resist, persists."

Meaning? Resist what you feel and those feelings of anger and sadness will only grow.

Dr. Lord's approach:

„X Get conscious. Get very conscious. Allow yourself to grieve, to do those things that you need to do to release the emotion. However, become an "observer" of your feelings and actions as you go through the process. Let one part of you watch what you are doing. Starting to watch more TV? Increasing the after dinner drinks? Staying in bed? Not answering the phone? Losing contact with the outside world? Be aware of your actions without passing judgment. They are clues to what you are feeling on a deep, subconscious level.

I would add that you might even give yourself a deadline..."Okay, I'm going to allow myself to grieve for ____ (you fill in the blank)." Go at it and grieve with gusto! There is nothing wrong with grieving. Why wouldn't you? You lost something very special and important to you.

Most people:

„X Run from their feelings and, fearing that they will not succeed in securing a new job or creating their ideal work situation, immediately hit the pavement running.

You may send out tons of resumes and may even secure some interviews. It feels better to be in action, right? Yet, nothing happens.

Why?

There is a difference between taking "action" and "taking inspired action." Chances are, you have been acting from a place of desperation. That sense of fear colors your every thought, infects the words you compose for cover letters and resumes, and even affects the body language that you project during interviews. Employers sense it and often back away.

What's the alternative?

Dr. Lord's approach:

„X As you observe yourself working through the first stage of losing a job, begin to ask: what can I do to nourish myself?

The answer may not be to begin interviewing for jobs. It may be to take some time doing something that you absolutely love, which brings you great joy and peace of mind.

Maybe you enjoy gardening, reading, playing with your child, cooking a special dinner with your mate. Find the thing that feeds your soul. You will begin to heal. You will begin to feel great appreciation for your life, your family, your environment, and, most importantly, for yourself.

Dr. Lord says that as we begin to do those things that nourish our psyches and our souls, we regain a sense of hope. Suddenly, the energy that was "tied up" in feelings of negativity (fear, anger, shame, embarrassment, etc) is unleashed. You see new possibilities that may have existed for you all along but those pesky little negative emotions were blocking your vision.

Now, you can take "inspired action," and that is where the "magic" is.

And, that isthe real meaning of "being in the moment," or "being present." You are no longer preoccupied with thoughts of how to get back at your company for downsizing you, anger at the boss who didn't protect you, or without hope of finding employment. All of your energy is right here, right now, and you control how youchannel it. Happy channeling!

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Article Tags: action mode, career opportunity, Dr Susan Lord, finding the magic, losing a job, new position, senior executives



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